RSV in Children: What Parents Need to Know About Beyfortus (Nirsevimab)
- Ankit Shukla
- Oct 9, 2024
- 3 min read
What is RSV and Why Are Some Children At Risk?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus in the fall and winter months that can affect the lungs, making it difficult to breathe in some children. In fact, RSV is so common that almost all children will have had RSV by the time they're two years old.
While most children experience mild cold-like symptoms (coughing, runny nose), RSV can cause serious problems in young children (under 6 months of age) and some children with chronic health conditions like lung or heart problems.
RSV can lead to bronchiolitis (inflammation in parts of the lung), or even pneumonia (infection of the lungs) making RSV the leading cause of hospitalization in children less than one year of age.
What is Beyfortus?
Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) is a new immunization which was made to help fight against RSV. Beyfortus is different from traditional vaccines. Traditional vaccines use inactive (dead) pieces of the virus or bacteria which helps the immune system build antibodies against it (this can take a little time for your body to do).
Instead of having your body make the antibodies, Beyfortus works by directly giving the child antibodies against RSV. This means the immunization can work right away and start protecting your child. This can especially be useful in babies and infants whose immune systems aren’t as strong yet.
How Long Does Beyfortus Last?
Beyfortus is given as a single shot before the start of RSV season (typically in the fall or winter depending on your state) and provides protection for about five months (this is the typical length of RSV season).
Is Beyfortus Well Studied in Children?
Yes, Beyfortus was approved by the FDA in 2023 after 3 clinical trials were completed for prevention of RSV. A total of 2577 children (589 children in US sites and 1988 in non-US sites) were enrolled in the studies. These studies looked at safety, efficacy (how well it worked) and what the body does to the medication (pharmacokinetics).
After examining these studies, the FDA approved Beyfortus for:
Babies and infants born during or entering their first RSV season
Children up to 2 years of age who are at risk for severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.
What if Mom Got the RSV Vaccine While She was Pregnant?
In most cases, if the mother has received the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) while they were pregnant (32-36 weeks), the child won’t need to get the vaccine. This is because the antibodies are transferred from the mother to child during pregnancy.
In some rare cases, it may be necessary for the child to still get the RSV vaccine, even if mom got it while she was pregnant.
What are the Possible Side Effects of Beyfortus?
The most common side effects seen in clinical trials were rash, pain, swelling and hardness at the site of the injection.
Less common but serious allergic reactions can also occur with Beyfotus. These include:
Swelling of the face, mouth or tongue
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Severe rash, itching or hives
Muscle weakness
Blueish color of the skin, lips or under fingernails
My Thoughts
RSV can be frightening for parents of young children or those with chronic lung or heart problems. Although RSV causes common cold symptoms for most children, for some it can become a serious illness.
Beyfortus is a new tool which is made to help protect against RSV and can start working right away. It has been studied in thousands of children showing it works as intended and has minimal side effects.
In my opinion, it's worth a conversation with your child’s pediatrician.
References
Drug Trials Snapshots: BEYFORTUS (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-beyfortus)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (https://publications.aap.org/redbook/book/755/chapter-abstract/14080939/Respiratory-Syncytial-Virus?redirectedFrom=fulltext)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody: Immunization Information Statement (IIS) (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/immunization-information-statement.html)
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) Package Insert (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761328s000lbl.pdf)
Disclaimer
The information in this database regarding prescription drugs is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interaction or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment
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